Jack Ray Racy

On March 22, 2012, Shasta County lost a truly special man. Jack Ray Racy passed on to his next chapter in life. Jack suffered from advanced rheumatoid arthritis and ultimately succumbed to pneumonia after a short battle. Jack was 77 years old when he passed.

He was born February 17, 1935 in Columbus, Kansas. Jack was one of nine siblings including a twin sister. Jack grew up in Oregon, graduating from Oakridge High School in Oakridge, Oregon in 1953. He married his high school sweetheart and lifetime soul mate, Sherron Helms. Jack had a long career in the lumber industry. After living several years in Oregon he moved his family to Willow Creek, California in 1968 where he raised his family and worked at the local lumber mill. After a short move to Weaverville, Jack and Sherron moved to Anderson, California in 1983 where he worked for Roseburg Forest Products until he retired in 1994.

Jack was a true country boy. He loved horses, hunting and dancing with his wife to country music. He had an amazing talent in wood crafting, spending much of his retirement crafting true works of art. Every member of his immediate family has a cradle, chest, entertainment center or other wood furniture that they will cherish the rest of their lives. Jack’s talent also included welding and fabricating. His home with Sherron is filled with many fabricated works of art.

Jack and Sherron raised four children who remained close to their Anderson home. Jack lived for family gatherings which occurred on a weekly basis as a result of the closeness of the family. He forged a close, tight knit family that was and is a direct reflection of the great man he was.

Jack is survived by his adoring wife Sherron of fifty-five years, daughter Karmon and husband David Rowland of Anderson, son Greg Racy and wife Kris of Anderson, daughter Cheryl and husband David Perrine of Redding, daughter Allison and husband Steve Nichols of Cottonwood. Although many in number, Jack insisted before he passed that his obituary includes all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They are: Scott Rowland and wife Jennifer of Anderson, Brandi and husband Curtis Holloway of Redding, Jacob Rowland and wife Jillian of Honolulu, Hawaii, Danielle Racy of Redding, Jessica Racy of Anderson, Jennifer, Sarah and Mikey Perrine of Redding, Matt Nichols and wife Ali of Spokane, Washington and Meggyn Nichols of Redding. Great grandchildren are Meredith and Kylie Rowland, Jaxon, Ava, and Kenzie Holloway, Alexia and Maximus Rowland, and Krista Racy Haller. With another great grandchild due in October 2012.

Jack also leaves behind one surviving brother, Bill and six sisters, Betty, Norma, Faye, Pat, Sue, Sally and their respective spouses. Jack will most be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandpa and loyal friend. Jack lived his life to the fullest and enjoyed every opportunity he had to spend with family and friends. He was known for his incredible inner strength, infectious laugh, corny jokes and a smile that lit up every room and person in his presence. His sense of humor was unique and also brought laughter. It is perhaps the biggest understatement of all to state he will be missed.